1. PURPOSE

This directive assigns responsibility for requesting, monitoring, and approving the use
of alcoholic beverages on NASA HQ property. Except as specified herein, all persons
entering in or on Federal property, including the NASA HQ building, are prohibited from
being under the influence of or using alcoholic beverages. The limited use of alcoholic
beverages as part of occasional events sponsored by NASA HQ organizations may be
permitted provided the requirements set forth in this HQPD are observed.
Requests for exemptions will be for one or two specific time(s) and date(s), and requests
for standing exemptions will not be approved. Sponsoring organizations remain
responsible for conducting these events in a manner that does not compromise the safety
of employees, guests, and the public, or the public perception of NASA.

2. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all functions that will or may include the use of alcoholic
beverages within the NASA HQ building.

4. REFERENCES

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

a. The Executive Director, Office of Headquarters Operations:
(1) Shall approve or deny all requests for exemptions.
(2) Shall notify the HQ Chief of Security of event details.
b. Only supervisors are authorized to sponsor an event. As defined in 5 U.S.C. 7103 (a)
(10), supervisors are those individuals who devote a preponderance of their time and have
the authority to hire, direct, assign, promote, reward, etc. employees in more than a
clerical nature requiring the consistent exercise of independent judgment. The sponsor
of an event at which alcoholic beverages will be consumed shall:
(1) Submit advance written requests (including by e-mail) for exemption of the use of
alcoholic beverages to the Executive Director, Office of Headquarters Operations using
Attachment-1 (Request for Approval to Serve Alcoholic Beverages) of this document. All
requests should be submitted to the Executive Director at least seven business days prior
to the event.
(2) Include in the request a description of the steps the sponsor will take to avoid
excessive consumption of alcohol by attendees.
(3) Follow the plan outline in the request for exemption to ensure that consumption of
alcohol is monitored and controlled to prevent excessive consumption.
(4) For any event, non-alcoholic beverages shall also be available to attendees and food
should be served.
(5) Serve an amount and type of alcohol appropriate to the anticipated number in
attendance and the duration and purpose of the event.
(6) The sponsor shall ensure that any underage personnel in attendance do not consume
alcoholic beverages.
(7) Take precautions to prevent impaired individuals from driving a motor vehicle. Safe
transportation home should be arranged for these individuals at the individual's
expense. This HQPD is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit,
substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, by any party against the
United States, its departments, agencies or entities, its officers, employees, or agents,
or any other person.
(8) Before, during and after the event, emphasize personal responsibility to all
attendees and encourage personnel to watch out for their coworkers and fellow event
attendees.
(9) Ensure alcoholic beverages are not ordered, purchased, or brought to NASA HQ until
approval is received per this HQPD.
(10) Coordinate with HQ Security the physical introduction and removal of alcohol onto
the premises retaining a copy of the approved request with the beverages at all times.
c. Event Attendees:
(1) Are not authorized to bring their own alcohol to any event.
(2) Are limited to appropriate consumption of beverages provided by the sponsor of the
event.
(3) Shall take proper precautions to monitor and control their intake of alcohol.
(4) Shall not return to work under the influence of alcohol.
(5) Shall refrain from operating any motor vehicle if doing so would violate applicable
traffic laws.
(6) All individuals working at NASA HQ are required and expected to report to their work
activities in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform their duties. This
ensures a safe and secure working environment for all employees and ensures the safety of
members of the public on NASA HQ property.
(7) Event attendees will be held accountable for complying with the subparagraph (c) of
this HQPD. Federal employees who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action,
which includes removal from the Federal service. Contractor employees who violate the
policy will be handled in accordance with the contractor's policy via the applicable
Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR).

6. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY

None.

7. MEASUREMENTS

None.

8. CANCELLATION

ATTACHMENT 1

TO: Executive Director, Office of Headquarters Operations
FROM:
SUBJECT: Request for Approval to Serve Alcoholic Beverages
On (date), (organization name) plans to host an event and would requests to serve
alcoholic beverages to those participating in the event. The details of the event are as
follows:
Description of event:
Location:
Time/Date: (include start and end times)
Number of participants expected:
Amount and Type of alcohol to be served:
Controls on consumption: (e.g., bartender, service ceases one hour before conclusion of
event, designated driver program, non-alcoholic alternatives, food etc.)
The point of contact for this request is: (provide name and telephone number)
As the sponsor for this event, I acknowledge by signature that I have read, understand,
and agree to adhere to the governing policy on Use of Alcoholic Beverages on NASA HQ
Property, HQPD 8812.
/s/